Brief
The challenge was to develop a point of care system for rapid diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction using whole blood. Maddison was selected as the prime development partner for both the reader and disposable cartridge – which used Vivacta’s core piezoelectric film technology. The system had to be quick, reliable, portable and easy to use.
Early Usability and Concept Work
We started by generating early concepts for both the reader and cartridge, storyboarding the potential clinical workflow. Using these tools, we then conducted usability studies with Vivacta and potential users. The cartridge had to be intuitive and easy to handle without the user obscuring the optical windows with finger marks.
Detailed Engineering and Testing Work
Maddison worked with Vivacta and the contract manufacturer, ITL, to develop the reader mechanics. We developed a manufacturing solution for the disposable cartridge ensuring repeatability and low unit cost. We also designed the graphical user interface so that it could be used intuitively by a range of people from experts to occasional users.
